Morning Report: Stipe Miocic putting a premium on speed ahead of Francis Ngannou rematch: ‘Speed kills’

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Esther Lin, MMA Fighting Stipe Miocic knows that Francis Ngannou has improved since the first time they fought, but unfortunately for Ngannou, Miocic says that so has he.
In 2018, Miocic defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ngannou at UFC 220. Heading into the fight, many believed it would be a coronation for Ngannou, who had torn through all of his competition thus far. Instead, it was a high point for Miocic, who dominated Ngannou for 25 minutes, winning a unanimous decision and breaking the record for most consecutive UFC heavyweight title defenses.
Since their first fight, Miocic and Ngannou have continued to excel. Following the loss, Ngannou dropped his next bout before rebounding to win his last four in a row, all by first-round knockout. Meanwhile, Miocic lost his heavyweight title to Daniel Cormier but then regained it a year later in a rematch and then won a trilogy fight with “DC” this past year. All that winning from both men has set up Miocic and Ngannou for a rematch at UFC 260 in March, and though much has changed since their first fight, Miocic thinks the main thing will remain the same.
“Francis is a super tough guy,” Miocic said on the Oral Sessions with Renée Paquette podcast. “He’s been knocking everyone out again and he’s on a tear, and unfortunately he’s going to have to fight me again. That’s the bad part. He’s definitely gotten better, but so have I.
“I know I’m getting old, but I’ve gotten wiser and I’m learning a few new tricks up my sleeve. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, which is a lie. I’ve learned a lot ever since the last fight which couple years ago. So yeah, it’s the same outcome. I’m going to walk out with the belt still wrapped around my waist: and still.”
In their first fight, Miocic carried the day due to his savvy, durability, and wrestling. Miocic was able to survive the early storm from the heavy-handed slugger, exhausting Ngannou and then taking over with his superior cardio and grappling skills . And while those attributes will likely play a part in their rematch as well, for this fight Miocic thinks he has yet another ace up his sleeve. Following his loss to Cormier, Miocic made a concerted effort to stay lean and fast, coming in 10 pounds lighter in the rematch with Cormier and was noticeably quicker as a result. Given his success there, it’s a plan he intends on sticking with against Ngannou.
“More timing and speed,” Miocic said. “Really just speed. It’s all about speed. I think speed kills and that’s something we’ve really worked on the last couple camps fighting ‘DC.’”
While UFC 260 is a big event on its own merits, if Miocic can once again defeat Ngannou, there remains an even bigger prize down the line. This past year, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones officially vacated the 205-pound division and announced his intention to move up to heavyweight. Given all that Jones has accomplished, it’s presumed that the winner of UFC 260 will face “Bones” next in one of the biggest fights in UFC history. It’s a tantalizing prize but one that Miocic says he’s not going to focus on just yet.
“I heard that too (about defending against Jones next),” Miocic said. “Listen, I’ll fight anyone. Right now though, the task at hand, the only thing I’m thinking about is Francis.”
UFC 260 is set to take place on March 27, likely in Las Vegas.

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[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h] Between the Links.


Timeline: Alistair Overeem.


Overeem watches his past fights.


Dustin Poirier and Rose Namajunas in an upcoming Super Bowl commercial.


Dustin Poirier on Hot Ones.

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[h=1]LISTEN UP[/h] Heavy Hands. Previewing the key matchups at UFC Vegas 18.
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Alistair Overeem and Cody Stamann.

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[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h] Poirier is the man.

I got a bottle for you champ! https://t.co/iKCTug4aGB
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 4, 2021​

Comeback of the Year.

This one means everything.

This afternoon, @BeneilDariush accepted his Comeback of the Year award

[ #UFCHonors presented by @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/9FwMLEm5QR
— UFC (@ufc) February 4, 2021​

Lightweight title picture.

Hum... So don't you wanna face me for the 155's gold?

Who's next then? Who I need to beat to have this lightweight belt around my waist?#UFC https://t.co/9OOXx1nT2s
— Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) February 4, 2021​

One last run.

I still love this sport, the training and everything about it. But I also have to be realistic: my time is coming to an end.

One final run because I believe the UFC title will be mine. The time is now. pic.twitter.com/JiMod5VK9O
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 4, 2021​

Pretty cool.

2014: I was a fan working at the airport and i was a amateur
2021: I’m still a fan!!! But now I’m on the undercard. pic.twitter.com/wCxrQccmss
— Mike Rod (@mrodmma) February 4, 2021​

Diego.

@TheNotoriousMMA I know your last fight was not your best showing, stand tall you are a legend & will continue to have more legendary success! It looks to be cowboy for my UFC finale. Sanchez versus McGregor will always be in the ether! HMU in the dm I might Have a bone for you.
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) February 4, 2021​

Accepted.

Welcome to the conversation @DRkneevil !
I’m your huckleberry, send location, I accept, etc etc etc https://t.co/Ha4kLCkUhf
— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) February 4, 2021​

Big John discussing the UFC Hall of Fame.

Ant, I don’t believe I have a complicated relationship with the @ufc I know what I did for the UFC and I know what the UFC did for me in return. I will always love the UFC because of the special times and moments I have had in my life because of that relationship. It would be yes https://t.co/sbPbtcN7wc
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) February 4, 2021​

Sick burn.

The size of @titoortiz head??? https://t.co/QNce9OW8gZ
— Funky (@Benaskren) February 4, 2021​

Darren Till steering into it.

Karen Till here @MerPolTraffic
Have you got a direct line for an inspector,
Regarding harassment & abuse of power.
Regards Karen... #KarenTill
— karen Till (@darrentill2) February 4, 2021​

Showtime.

Still got it @CodySimpson @vitalproteins pic.twitter.com/8bXYPyE6Rl
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) February 5, 2021​

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[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h] Ode Osbourne (8-3, 1 NC) vs. Jerome Rivera (10-4); UFC Vegas 18, Feb. 6.
Donald Cerrone (36-15) vs. Diego Sanchez (30-13); UFC Fight Night, May 8.

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[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h] Thanks for reading, enjoy the fights, and see y’all on Monday.

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[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]

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